Rainbows are such a beautiful occurrence usually seen after a thunderstorm. This wonderful natural phenomena forms when the sunlight reflects off water droplets. However, rainbows are also mentioned in the Bible and are a sign of the covenant between God and man. Although I have seen many rainbows in my lifetime, one sticks out as exceptionally special.
Several years ago, I was devastated to learn that my husband of twenty years was involved with another woman. After the initial shock wore off, I went through a period where I was on an emotional roller coaster. It was certainly the worst time of my life, but I kept praying constantly. About a month after he moved out, I was in my office going through some paperwork in anticipation of the end of my marriage. While I was working, an afternoon thunderstorm passed through, and right about that time, everything just hit me. I broke down and sobbed as I just could not believe that this was happening to me. I strongly opposed divorce, and now it was right in my face. Even though I knew it wasn’t my fault, the thought of being divorced made me sick. I begged God at that moment to help me to get through this horrible time in my life, telling Him that I couldn’t do it without His strength. Finally, the thunderstorm ended. Wiping the tears from my face, I got up from my computer and peeked out the window. To my glorious surprise, I was looking directly at the most beautiful rainbow that I had ever seen! Knowing the biblical history of rainbows, I knew at that moment that God had heard my prayer and that He was going to get me through this. Now, 2 1/2 years later, I am the happiest and most fulfilled that I have ever been. I am certain that God carried me through this valley and brought me out on the other side a much better person!
“And God said, This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind of the earth.” Genesis 9:12-16
“Then there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood with lowered wings. Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.” Ezekial 1:25-28
“At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.” Revelation 4:2-3
“Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.” Revelation 10:1
Beautiful, Maria! Full of HOPE!!!!!